A continuous infusion pain pump is a device that sends numbing medicine through a small tube (called a catheter) into your child’s arm, leg, or other body part to treat pain. Your child may get a continuous infusion pain pump right after having surgery.

The pump delivers medicine directly to the part of the body that’s causing pain. So your child may not need to take any other pain medicine, or they may need less of it.

During your child’s surgery, the doctor places a small tube near the spot where your child’s skin was cut (called the incision site). Or they may place the tube near a group of nerves that supply feeling to the hurt body part.

The tube connects to a pump outside of your child’s body. A small pouch inside the pump holds the medicine. The pump is set to deliver a steady flow of medicine for a few days after the surgery to help manage your child’s pain. You may clip the pump to your child’s clothing, or your child may carry it in a small bag.

The doctor will let you know how long to use the pump. And they will let you know when it's time to have the pump's tubing removed. You might be taught how to take it out yourself, or you might have to go to the doctor’s office.

Take these steps while your child is wearing the pump to keep them healthy and safe.

• Keep the incision site and tube clean and dry. The tube and incision site will be covered by bandages. While the tube is in place, your child can't take showers or baths so the bandages stay dry.
• Encourage calm activities to prevent injuries. Your child needs to avoid rough play, sports, and other activities that could injure their body. The body part where they’re getting the medicine may feel heavy or numb, so your child may be more likely to fall or get hurt.
• Prevent damage to the pump and tube. Avoid pressing on the pump or letting your child lie on it. Have your child wear loose clothing that doesn’t rub against or pull on the tube, and don’t allow them to play with the tube or pump.
• Protect your child’s skin from extreme heat or cold. Because the medicine can numb the skin, your child may not be able to feel if something is too hot or too cold. Don’t use heating pads or ice on the body part that has the pump unless your child’s doctor tells you to.
• Follow the doctor’s instructions for changing bandages or removing the tube. If you’re not sure how to care for your child’s bandages, or if there are any problems with the tube or pump, contact your child’s doctor for help.

Continuous infusion pain pumps are safe to use. The most common side effect is a tingling, weak, or numb feeling where the medicine is working. This is normal and will go away shortly after the pump is removed.

Your child’s pain may suddenly return if the tube gets twisted or blocked and the flow of medicine is stopped. If that happens, gently untwist the tube and make sure it’s in place. If the medicine still isn’t flowing, contact your child’s doctor.

Although it's very rare, there is a small risk of LAST (local anesthetic systemic toxicity). This happens when numbing medicine from the pump enters the bloodstream too quickly. Clamp off the pain pump and call 911 right away if your child:

• Has a metallic taste in the mouth.
• Feels dizzy, lightheaded, or like they might faint.
• Is confused or agitated.
• Has numbness around the lips or mouth.
• Has ringing in the ears.
• Has blurry vision.
• Has breathing problems or chest pain.
• Has twitching or seizures, or your child loses consciousness.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• The pain tube falls out.
• Your child’s pain gets worse.
• Your child's pain is not managed by the medicine.
• Your child has symptoms of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the incision site.
  • Red streaks leading from the incision site.
  • Pus draining from the incision site.
  • A fever.